Bill · H.R. 1286· House(119-HR-1286)
Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 5/20/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Bresnahan
- Cosponsors
- - 14 - 4
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek an agreement with a federally funded research and development center. The goal is to assess forms sent to claimants for benefits to make them clearer and better organized. The Secretary must submit this assessment to relevant House and Senate committees and implement legal recommendations within two years. Additionally, the bill extends certain limits on payments of pension by moving a specific date from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill directly benefits veterans by simplifying claim processes and extending pension limits.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The bill improves benefit administration by simplifying forms and extends pension payment limits.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+3
The extension of pension limits provides continued stability for older veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passPassed 386–1
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
05/19/2025 · Roll call 133 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Clarity of Forms: The Secretary is tasked with receiving recommendations on how to make forms clearer and better organized (Section 2(b)). This could help claimants understand the paperwork they receive when seeking benefits.
-
Expert Consultation: The assessment process includes consultation with covered entities, such as experts in laws and organizations that advocate for veterans and survivors (Section 2(e)(2)). This ensures that those with specialized knowledge help shape the improvements.
-
Extended Pension Payment Limits: The bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to extend certain limits on payments of pension through December 31, 2031 (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 5/20/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 5/19/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2136-2137)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1286.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2124-2126)
- Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 5/17/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 73.
- 5/6/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/28/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/9/2025
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/14/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 3/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2025
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- 2/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike BostRepublican · Illinois
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Monica De La CruzRepublican · Texas
Michelle FischbachRepublican · Minnesota
J. HillRepublican · Arkansas
Josh HarderDemocrat · California
Darrell IssaRepublican · California
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Daniel MeuserRepublican · Pennsylvania
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Pete StauberRepublican · Minnesota
Glenn ThompsonRepublican · Pennsylvania
David ValadaoRepublican · California
Steve WomackRepublican · Arkansas
Roger WilliamsRepublican · Texas